Graduate Researches of the Master of Science in Criminology of the University of Baguio

by
Prof. Teodulo Natividad, Ph.D.

ABSTRACT

This study sought to determine the status of the master’s theses produced by Master of Science in Criminology graduates of the University of Baguio. It was found out that the University of Baguio is producing an increasing number of graduate researches each year. This situation is explained by the fact that graduates in the Criminology profession recognize the importance of continuing professional education. Another reason is the fact that educational qualification and achievements have significant implications on the socioeconomic status of an individual. All in all, there were 56 theses produced in a span of 10 years. Almost all researches focused on the attainment of goals and objectives, implementation of programs / strategies and the problems encountered by personnel of agencies involved in the criminal justice system. Thirteen researches were instructional materials. As regards replication, out of the fifty-six theses produced, only one was replicated. With regard to the nature of research, 41 (73%) of the graduate researches used the survey method; 13 (23%) used the content analysis method; and 2 (4%) used the ex-post facto method. No study made use of historical and experimental methods. In light of the findings, the following conclusions were drawn: (1) there is a growing number of Master’s degree holders in Criminology; (2) the absence of replicated studies may be attributed to the strong campaign of the Department in discouraging writers to replicate earlier studies; (3) writers seem more knowledgeable in one method of research —the descriptive method; and (4) although findings reveal that the master’s theses in the Department satisfactorily conform to the generally-accepted standard, it does not mean that the conditions/criteria were extensively carried out. Therefore, identified weakness need to be given attention and emphasis by the writers, advisers and the Department.